Method and apparatus for machine location

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for tracking and determining a location of a gaming machine or other item within a casino or hotel is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus utilizes a transmitter or emitter to provide a tracking signal that may be tracked by one or more receivers or detectors. It is contemplated that the transmitter or emitter connect to a gaming machine. As the gaming machine is relocated within the casino its location is monitored. The one or more receivers may communicate with a host computer or other data processing system to generate location data regarding the gaming machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Based on the location information generated by the location monitoring and tracking system, other aspects of machine operation may be controlled and additional features dependant on the machine location information may be enabled.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming and in particular amachine location and tracking system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] One common environment for gaming is in a casino. Modern casinosare often large, elaborate structures that may contain numerousdifferent gaming areas with hundreds or thousands of gaming machines.Moreover, the casino will often have one or more restaurants, lounges orbars, event areas, pools, entrances and shopping areas interspersedthroughout the casino. It is not uncommon for casinos to also containfamily areas or areas containing activities directed to children. Due tothe size, configuration, and number of gaming machines within thecasino, locating or tracking the various casino areas and machines canbe complex and time consuming.

[0003] The complexity of finding or tracking the machines within acasino is exasperated by the common practice of casino personnelcontinually rearranging the location of gaming machines within a casino.For example, it is common for casino personnel to arrange gamingmachines to particular location for a special event, such as a slottournament. It is also common for casino personnel to group certaingaming machines at a particular location during a special event. Forexample, it may be desired to place large denomination gaming machinesnear an entrance or exit to a sporting event or other event that will beattended by wealthy gamblers. As a result, gaming machines often changelocation within a casino. The recurring relocation of gaming machinescreates a drawback when attempting to track, monitor, and electronicallycommunicate with the gaming machines.

[0004] It is also common for casinos and other gaming establishments tobe regulated by authorities. These authorities may comprise a gamingcommission or other licensing or regulator agency. The authorities oftenpromulgate regulations that govern the proximity of a gaming machine tocertain areas within the casino. The regulations may also control otheraspects of game machine operation. By way of example, the regulationsmay prohibit casino personnel from locating a gaming machine within aminimum distance from an entrance or family area in the casino, or mayprohibit operation of a gaming machine after or before certain hours.These regulations, combined with the recurring movement of the gamingmachines often creates monitoring difficulties. For example, it ispresently expensive, time consuming, and difficult to track the locationof each machine in relation to other aspects of the casino. Moreover, itis difficult to physically find a particular machine on the floor andexecute electronic communication with a particular machine. For example,different parts of the casino may utilize a different computer network.

[0005] For these and other reasons, there is a need for a method andapparatus to locate and track gaming machines, other regulated devices,or other aspects in a casino or other environment. The method andapparatus described herein provides a solution to the needs in the artand enables advanced features and functionality here beforeunachievably.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A method and apparatus for machine location and tracking isdisclosed. Numerous additional systems and methods derive from themethod and apparatus for machine location as described herein. Themethod and apparatus described may be configured to determine of thelocation of one or more gaming machines in a casino, building, outdoorenvironment, or other area. The location may be represented as locationdata. One or more computing systems may process the location data torelated the location to a graphical representation of the machine on agraphical representation of a gaming area or casino.

[0007] In one embodiment, a method for locating a gaming machine on acasino floor comprises receiving one or more signals from a trackingdevice. The tracking device may be located on a gaming machine.Thereafter, processing the one or more signals from the tracking deviceto determine location data regarding the gaming machine. Then processingthe location information in relation to casino floor locationinformation to thereby determine the location of the gaming machine onthe casino floor. In one embodiment the method further includestransmitting a signal from the tracking device located on the gamingmachine. The signal may be received by a components of the locationtracking system. In one embodiment the one or more signals that areprocessed comprises signals received from at least three differentreceivers. The signal may comprise an infrared type signal. The trackingdevice comprises a radio frequency identification tag. In oneembodiment, the method further includes generating a representation ofthe gaming machine on a graphical representation of the casino floor,such as on a computer screen

[0008] In another embodiment, an apparatus for mapping a casino floorlayout in a casino is provided. The apparatus comprises one or moreemitters located at one or more locations in the casino and one or moredetectors located at one or more locations in the casino. The detectorsare configured to detect the emitters. Also included is a communicationchannel configured to facilitate communication between and a processorconnected to the communication channel. The processor may be configuredto receive and process data regarding the location of the emitters fromthe detectors. In one embodiment the emitters generate infrared signalswhile in another embodiment the detectors generate energy that causesthe emitters to emit a signal.

[0009] In one embodiment the method further includes a mapping moduleconfigured to execute on the processor, the mapping module providing agraphical representation of the location of the one or more emitters. Inone embodiment one or more emitters emit a radio frequency signal. Theone or more emitters may be further configured to communicate with theprocessor over a computer network, and a computer network connected tothe one or more emitters and the processor

[0010] The method and apparatus for machine location may also be used toimplement a method for synchronizing certain aspects of operation fortwo or more gaming machines by defining a distance parameter anddefining one or more reference gaming machines. A reference gamingmachine is defined herein to mean a machine or other location trackedcasino device that serves as a control machine or lead machine on whichother actions or events are based. Thereafter, analyzing the location ofone or more gaming machines in relation to the reference gaming machineand the distance parameter and generating control signals to controloperation of certain aspects of gaming machine operation. Thereafter,transmitting the control signals to a subset of the one or more gamingmachines, the subset defined at least in part by the distance parameter.This method may be used to control certain aspects of gaming machineoperation such as the audio emitted from the gaming machine. Moreover,certain aspects of gaming machine operation may comprise video shown ona gaming machine video screen. In one embodiment the distance parametercomprises data regarding which gaming machines will have certain aspectsof the operation synchronized. Transmitting the control signals mayoccur over a computer network.

[0011] In one embodiment a method for monitoring compliance with gamingregulations is provided that comprises receiving gaming machine locationdata regarding the location of one or more gaming machines andprocessing the gaming machine location data. Then, comparing theprocessed gaming machine location data to casino area location data andgenerating an alert if the comparing reveals that the location of one ormore gaming machines are not in compliance with gaming regulations.

[0012] In one embodiment the gaming regulation comprise regulationsregarding a minimum distance between a gaming machine and an area of acasino. In one embodiment the gaming machine location data is receivedfrom a gaming machine tracking system.

[0013] In an alternative method of use, a method for locating theposition of a player on a casino floor is provided that comprisesreceiving network address data from a player tracking system regardingwhich of two or more gaming machines the player is currently playing andaccessing a translation table to translate the network address tolocation data. The location data is processed for relation to the casinofloor and provided to one or more casino personnel. In one embodimentprocessing the location data comprises generating the data into agraphical representation in relation to casino floor. The playertracking system may obtain input from a player to determine when aplayer is playing. It is contemplated that the translation table mayrelate a network address to a physical location of a gaming machine onthe casino floor.

[0014] In yet another embodiment a system for controlling two or moregaming machines upon the occurrence of a winning event is provided. Thesystem comprises a gaming machine location system configured to generatelocation data regarding a location of two or more gaming machines. Alsoprovided is a computing device configured to control at least one aspectof gaming machine operation, process the location data and the winningevent data to generate control signals. Communication apparatus may alsobe configured to communication control signal between the computingdevice and the two or more computing devices. In one embodiment thecontrol signals comprise signals that control operation of at least oneof the gaming machine audio, gaming machine visual indicators, gamingmachine video. In one embodiment the computing device configured toprocess comprises a computing device configured to processes thelocation data and the winning event by determining which gaming machinesare located within a minimum distance from the gaming machine having theoccurrence of the winning event. Note that in one embodiment only gamingmachines located within the minimum distance receive the controlsignals.

[0015] It should be noted that although reference is made to a minimumdistance, the term minimum distance is used herein only for exemplarypurposes. In all the system and embodiments described herein it is fullycontemplated that other logic or control methodology may be adoptedbeside use of a minimum distance when deciding when an action occurs.For example, instead of machines within a minimum distance responding orbeing manipulated other criteria may be used. These criteria include anylocation based determination such as, but not limited to, every othermachine, every third machine, every forth machine, etc., machines withina bank, opposing machines, adjacent machines, machines on the end ornear the middle of a bank, machines facing entrances, machines facingbars and/or restaurants, or any other location based determination.

[0016] It is further contemplated that method for highlightingoccurrence of a winning event on a gaming machine by causing otherproximately located gaming machines to react to the winning event may beembodied using the machine location method and apparatus. One such themethod comprise detecting a winning event, the winning event occurringat a first gaming machine. The method may also include processinglocation data to determine which gaming machines are proximately locatedto the first gaming machine. Thereafter, generating control instructionsto control one or more aspects of one or more proximately located gamingmachines and transmitting the control instructions to one or more of theproximately located gaming machines. One embodiment may includecomparing the distance between the first gaming machine and other gamingmachines to determine which gaming machines are proximately located.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the invention in an exampleenvironment of a casino.

[0018]FIG. 2 illustrates an example of triangulation on a gamingmachine.

[0019]FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an example embodiment of ahost.

[0020]FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a grid system over an exampleenvironment of a casino.

[0021]FIG. 5 illustrates an operational flow diagram of an examplemethod of operation.

[0022]FIG. 6 illustrates an operational flow diagram of an examplemethod of gaming machine control.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The method and apparatus described herein may be configured tolocate gaming machines and tracking gaming machine location. On otherembodiments, other objects or aspects may be tracked or monitored. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention. Moreover, the features describedherein may be implemented or claimed alone or in any combination.

[0024]FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the invention in anexample environment of a casino 100. Although shown in a casino 100, themethod and apparatus described herein may be implemented in any locationwhere location or tracking of gaming related devices is desired. Asshown, the casino 100 includes an entrance 102, one or more restaurants106, one or more lounges 108, a family area 110, and a sporting area112.

[0025] It is contemplated that regulations may control how close gamingmachines may be placed to the family area 110. The term gaming machinesshould be interpreted to mean any type device or apparatus configured toprovide a gaming experience or aid in gaming. The gaming machines maycomprise an electronically or non-electronically controlled or operatedslot machine, video poker machine, video pachinko, multi-game machine,keno machine, or any other device or system capable of providing agaming event. It is contemplated diners in the restaurant 106 will notwant to be disturbed by sound from the gaming machines. It is alsocontemplated that the operating characteristics of the gaming machinesnear the event center area 112 will often change based on the particulartime and performance, entertainment, or event featured in the eventcenter 112.

[0026] As would be contemplated in a casino, gaming areas 104A, 104B,and 104C are located on the casino floor. One or more banks 120 ofgaming machines 124 reside in each of the gaming areas. The gamingmachines 124 that comprise the banks 120 are not permanently fixed inplace but may be moved about based on the judgment of casino personnel.As shown, communication medium 122 connect the gaming machines 124 to ahost 128 that may be remotely located in a computer systems area 130.Network communication occurs over the communication medium 122 betweenthe gaming machines 124 and the host 128. The communication medium 122may comprise any medium capable of carrying a signal between one or morepoints including, but not limited to, fiber optics, metallic conductorcabling, or systems to facilitate wireless or optic communication suchas radio frequency communication. The host is described in more detailbelow in conjunction with FIG. 3. It is contemplated that viacommunication from the host 128 to the gaming machines various aspectsof gaming machine operation may be controlled or modified. This is alsodiscussed below in greater detail.

[0027] In this embodiment one or more gaming machine location devices150A, 150B, and 150C, are located in the casino 100. The gaming machinelocation devices 150 are configured to provide location informationregarding at least one of the gaming machines 124 or the gaming banks120 to the host 128 or other computer or processing system. Thus, eachbank may share a location tracking device, such as an radio frequencytransmitter. Any type of location or tracking system be implemented foruse with the method and apparatus described herein. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 1, a triangulation system is implemented. Eachof the devices 150A, 150B, and 150C comprises a precision radiotransmitter and/or receiver. An base antenna 152 may be included asshown on transceiver device 150A. For purposes of discussion transceiverdevice 150A is discussed in detail. In one configuration the transceiver150A generates a signal, as radio frequency energy and transmits thesignal over the antenna 152. In another embodiment the transceiver 150Ais configured to receive signals from the gaming machines, such asgaming machine 126 with antenna 128. It is contemplated that thetransceivers 150A, 150B, and 150C cooperate to offer triangulationcapability to determine the location or track the gaming machines 124.Though the use of triangulation systems and other location or trackingsystems are described herein, the scope of the claims are not limited toonly these methods. The invention encompasses any method for determiningthe location of one or more gaming device or other items. The locationdata may then be used as desired. One method of location determinationis manual entry of the data.

[0028]FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the inventionimplementing triangulation in an example environment of a casino. Todetermine the location of a gaming machine 200 a signal is sent fromeach of the transceivers 150A, 150B, and 150C. Additional transceiversmay be utilized other than the three transceivers 150 that are shown.Each transceiver maybe may generate a uniquely identifiable signal. Inone configuration the transceiver 150A emits a radio signal that travelsat a known rate of propagation. The signal from transceiver 150A may becoded, modulated, or otherwise identifiable, as compared to thetransceivers 150B and 150C. The gaming machine 200 monitors for a signalsent from any of the transceivers 150A, 150B, and 150C. The timedifference between transmission of the signal from the transceiver 150Aand receipt of the signal at gaming machine 200 can be recorded. Thetime value, between transmission and receipt, multiplied by the rate ofpropagation of the signal provides the distance of the gaming machinefrom the transceiver 150A. Propagation circle 210 defines a distance atwhich the gaming machine could lie based on the rate of propagation.Since each point along the circumference of the propagation circle 210is equal distance from the transceiver it is known that the gamingmachine is located at some point along the propagation circle 210.

[0029] Similar principles apply to propagation circle 212 correspondingto the signal generated by transceiver 150C and propagation circle 214corresponding to the signal generated by transceiver 150B. The locationof machine 200 is defined by intersection point 220. Each gaming machinewill be identifiable by a different intersection point. In this mannerthe location of each machine can be determined. Processing may occur inthe host computer to extrapolate the location of each gaming machine inrelation to each of the other gaming machines or other reference pointsin the casino. Other items in the casino may also be mapped.

[0030] In another embodiment the gaming machine is configured totransmit a signal and each transceiver is configured to receive thetransmission from the gaming device. Using similar principles as whenthe transceiver was transmitting, the location of each gaming machinemay be calculated be comparing the time of transmission to the time ofreceipt. Triangulation can then be used to determine a location of thetransmitting gaming machine. In yet another embodiment the transceiverand the gaming machine may both perform iterations of transmit andreceive to determine location of a gaming machine.

[0031] With regard to reference points, a reference point may comprise adumb terminal that serves as a boundary point for use by the locationsystem and the graphical software to determine the boundaries of thecasino or other building. A reference point may be placed at each cornerof the casino to align a graphical representation of the casino layout,such as one in software, with the electronic data received by thereference points. In one embodiment any two reference points that arelocated at particular points in the casino can be used to align a twodimensional mapping of the casino floor to a graphical representationsuch as might be stored on a computer.

[0032] In another embodiment the method and apparatus described hereinis implemented with an infrared or radio frequency reader network usedto receive signals or track tracking tags. The tracking tags reside onthe gaming machines. The tags are located by a tracking apparatus. Thiscan provide real time location of gaming machines. This type of trackingsystem may include a TCP/IP connection for integration with existingnetworks. The monitoring apparatus may reside in a ceiling or otherelevated location and be connected to a central location with basictwisted pair cables. One example of such a system is available fromVersus Technology, Inc. located in Traverse City, Mich.

[0033] In another embodiment the tracking and location system isimplemented using local positioning system that operates similar to aGlobal Positioning System (GPS). While Global Positioning System (GPS)signals may be used, such signals do not presently have the ability totravel through buildings. Through the use of high frequency tags placedon the gaming machines, the machines may be located and tracked byantennas and cell controllers while indoors. The cell controllerscalculate the present location of the machines and provide the locationinformation over a network. One example of such a system is availablefrom CheckPoint Corporation located in Thorofare, N.J.

[0034] Using the gaming machine location data the initial set-up orconfiguration of a gaming machine may be controlled. Likewise,subsequent changes may be made to the software or changeable settings ofthe gaming machine via a network based on the location of the gamingmachine. In one embodiment the download of software may be verified orvalidated based on location. In one embodiment the download of softwareis based only on location. In one embodiment the download of software isbased on both the location of the machine and the configuration. By wayof example, machines located in a certain area may receive an updated ormodified software version while other machines that are not located inthat area do not receive the software. The location data may be used tocontrol which machines are configured in a particular manner. Likewise,inventory control, monitoring, and data collection may be achieved usingthe location tracking and monitoring systems described herein.

[0035] In one embodiment the various aspects of the gaming machine orother gaming device may be tracked. Hence, the term or phrase gamingmachine should be interpreted broadly to mean any aspect of the gamingmachine. Thus, the processor board, software storage device, or machinehousing, machine bank, or any other aspect may be tracked.

[0036]FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a host. It iscontemplated that some of the apparatus shown may be eliminated withoutdeparting from the invention. Likewise, additional apparatus may beadded to the elements shown without departing from the invention.Turning now to the elements of a device 398, one or more processors 300serve as a central processing unit to oversee operation of the deviceand execute software code. Processors 300 capable of executing softwarecode and interfacing with other electronic apparatus and memory areknown in the art and accordingly are not described in great detailherein. The processor may comprise any processing unit capable ofprocessing data and facilitating network communication. In oneembodiment the processor 300 comprises an AMD brand K6-2 processor. Inanother embodiment the processor comprises an Intel brand Pentiumprocessor. Memory 302 is associated with the processor 300. A monitor ordisplay device 304 and a user interface 306 are also in communicationwith the processor 300. As is commonly understood, the display 304provides a means to exhibit the results of the processor operation orany output resulting from the execution of software code. Likewise, theuser interface 306 provides means to obtain input from a user to controlor aid the operation of the processor 300 and software code running onthe device 398. The monitor or display 304 may comprise a CRT display,plasma screen, LCD display or any other electronic device. The userinterface 306 may comprise one or more buttons, keys, a mouse, touchpad, touch screen, lever or any device capable of receiving human input.If the device 398 is configured as a host device, the monitor 304exhibits host or location operation data during operation and the userinterface 306 provides means for a user to control network gameoperation.

[0037] Also included in the device 398 may be a mass storage media orfixed media 312, a removable media reader 310, and a secure memory 308.These apparatus operate in conjunction with the processor 300 to storeand execute software that at least in part controls the device 398 andlocation system. In one embodiment the secure memory 308 comprises oneor more memory devices configured to store software code that initiatesor boots operation of the device 398 and to store software code for useby the processor to perform gaming machine location tracking.

[0038] One type of secure memory comprises a read only memory. Apparatusother than read only memory (ROM) may be utilized as secure memory 308.The term data, software, applications, programs and the like are usedherein to mean any computer readable data or executable programs.Examples include CD, DVD, Read-only hard drives, flash memory, tapedrives and RAM.

[0039] Also shown is a transceiver interface 330 configured interfacedata communications from the transceivers to the processor 300 andmemory 302, 308, 310, 312. In one embodiment the transceiver interface330 receives data signals from the transceivers such as the time ofsignal transmission while the time of receipt is provided to the hostvia a network interface 334. The information provided by the one or moretransceivers is then processed by the processor in conjunction withsoftware configured to execute processing instructions to yield alocation of each gaming machine or other device in the casino.

[0040] It is further contemplated that a graphical representation of thecasino floor, other area or a building may be overlaid with a grid orother mapping to provide a grid or quadrant system for identifying agaming machine and mapping the casino floor. As shown in FIG. 4, a gridsystem having reference or grid lines traced across the casino. A set ofhorizontal lines 402 provides an alpha identifier while a set ofvertical lines 406 provides a numeric identifier. Any level ofresolution may be provided using the grid system as is desired by thoseimplementing the method and apparatus described herein. Using the alphanumeric identifier the location of the gaming machine may be identifiedby an intersection of an intersection of an alpha line and a numericalline. By way of example, gaming machine 200 is at location G7. It isfurther contemplated that many advantages described and claimed hereinmay be implemented in conjunction with a manual entry of location datafor the gaming machine. In many instances manual entry may be lesscostly than the automatic location monitoring systems. In one embodimentimplementing the manual entry technique gaming machine identificationdata would be entered into a database or computer accessible model.Thereafter, location based machine control can occur as describedherein.

[0041]FIG. 5 illustrates an operational flow diagram of an examplemethod of operation of a triangulation system to determine location of agaming machine or other device. This is but one example method ofoperation. Other methods of operation may be implemented by those ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention as explained herein. At a step 502 the gaming machine trackinglocation system is activated. This may comprise activating the trackingaspects of the gaming machine in the event such aspects may be disabled.At step 506 the transceivers are activated. This may include the hostcomputer system and associated software modules.

[0042] Next, at a step 510 the transceiver may generate and transmit thetracking signal. The gaming machine receives the signal at a step 514.After receipt of the signal data regarding the time of transmission andthe time of receipt is provided to the host or other computing device.At a step 518 the host or other computing device processes the time datato determine the time of propagation. The time of propagation is theduration for the signal to travel from the transmitter to the receiver.Thereafter, at a step 522, the host or other processing devicemultiplies the rate of propagation by the time of propagation calculatedat step 518 to determine triangulation data. The triangulation data maycomprise a distance value representing the distance between thetransmitter and the receiver.

[0043] At a step 526 the host or other processing device and the othertracking apparatus may repeat steps 502-522 for the same gaming machineto obtain improved accuracy or to average the triangulation informationover numerous cycles. Likewise, the process may be repeated for othergaming machines. At a step 530, the host or other processing deviceprocesses the triangulation data to obtain location data. It is oftennecessary to obtain triangulation data from three sources to obtain afix on a particular machine.

[0044] At a step 534 the host or other processing device optionallyprovides the location data to a graphical interface module, while at astep 538 the host or other processing device provides the location datato a gaming machine control module. In one embodiment the graphicalinterface module comprises a software module configured to map thelocation of the casino floor as a graphic and map the location of thegaming devices on to the graphic of the casino floor. This provides auseful interface for a user to monitor, track and layout gaming machineson a casino floor. It is contemplated that two or more reference pointsmay be necessary to accurately align a graphical representation of thecasino floor with the actual location of the gaming machines. Withregard to the gaming machine control module, an example method ofoperation of a gaming machine control module is discussed below inconjunction with FIG. 6.

[0045]FIG. 6 illustrates an operation flow diagram of an example methodof operation of a gaming machine control module. It is contemplated thatthis is but one possible method of operation for controlling a gamingmachine. The gaming machine control module may be made to controloperation of one or more gaming machines based on the location dataand/or in combination with the time or date data. As discussed below,location data provides numerous advantages when used in conjunction withcontrol data.

[0046] In reference to FIG. 6, at a step 602 the machine control modulereceives the location data from another system or module, such as atracking system. At a step 606 the machine control module retrieveslocation operational parameters. In one embodiment the locationoperational parameters define rules, instruction, or guidelines thatgovern machine operation based on location of the machine. The locationoperational parameters may control factors including but not limited toenable/disable machine operation, sound volume, sound timing, videotiming, sound/video selections, game denomination, payout rates, winningevent actions, machine synchronization time of day, time of year, monthor week, event center activities or other promotions, networkidentification, game selection, theme, maximum bet, minimum bet, payoutrates, and payout limit. At a step 610 the machine control moduleretrieves operational parameter guidelines. The operational parameterguidelines define rules, instruction, or guidelines that govern gamingmachine operation based on factors other than gaming machine location.The operational parameter guidelines may control factors including butnot limited to payout limit, cash in limit, game selector, game ormachine theme, max bet, minimum bet, time of operation, selector, andmanner of operation.

[0047] At a step 614 the machine control module processes the locationdata and operational parameters to generate control commands. Thecontrol commands comprise messages or other control data that is to beprovided to a gaming machine to control operational characteristics ofthe gaming machine. The control commands are created based on one ormore of the above described factors. For example, if a gaming machine islocated near a bar or lounge and the time of day and date is at the timeof a football Superbowl event, then the sound of the gaming machines maybe adjusted accordingly or set to coincide with commercials or halftime.

[0048] At a step 618 the control commands are matched to a networkaddress. A translation table is one example system or device that may beused to match a control command, which may be location specific, to anetwork address. It may be desirable to match the control command with anetwork address so that at a step 622 the control commands may betransmitted to a particular gaming machine over the gaming network. Thefollowing table provides an example translation table with exemplarydata. The address may be based on a TCP/IP protocol or any othernetworking standard or protocol. In one embodiment the machines isassigned a network address once the machine is located or identified.Gaming Machine Gaming Machine Gaming Machine ID # Network AddressLocation Data 1938  5 $1.00 denomination 405 10 $0.25 denomination 249610 25 coin max bet 1922 10.10.100.23 Game is Keno

[0049] At a step 626 the gaming machine receives the control commandsbased on the network address and at a step 630 the gaming machinemodifies its operation based on the control instructions.

[0050] The method and apparatus described herein enables numerousfeatures or advantages alone and in combination with other systems,software, or methods. Some of these features or advantages are describedbelow in conjunction with associated systems and methods. These newfeatures or advantages may be implemented alone or in any combination.By controlling gaming machine behavior based on location data the timeconsuming and expensive step of manual configuration of a gaming machineby opening the machine, manually entering control code to modify eachgame operation, and closing each machine, can be eliminated.

[0051] In one embodiment a uniform or synchronized gaming machinecontrol scheme may be implemented. In such an embodiment asynchronization software module or other synchronizing control moduledetermines which gaming machines are located within a defined area orwith a maximum or minimum proximity. It is contemplated that suchlocation parameters may be automatically determined by thesynchronization module or input by a user. The synchronization module,based on the location of the gaming machines, controls various aspectsof gaming machines operation. In one embodiment the gaming machines maybe made to synchronize or coordinate sound effects or music, or lyrics.In one embodiment the coordination is based on a reference machine. Inone embodiment the gaming machines are made to synchronize or coordinatevideo play, or brightness levels. This provides the advantage of havingconsistent and uniform game and video play as compared to theundesirable situation created in prior art systems in which music orsounds overlapping each other to combine into a incomprehensible drone.Likewise, this also provides the advantage of a continuous row of gamingmachines screens each appearing uniform to create a row of uniform videoplay. It is likely this will be more captivating to a potential player.By way of example, it is envisioned that banks of gaming machines, thatmay be automatically located based on the location data, may be made toplay the same sound and video, at the same time i.e. synchronously.Similarly, to generate further excitement on the casino floor or for aparticular game, the banks or rows could dual back and forth withalternating sound and video. Locations data enables such operation.

[0052] In one embodiment the method and apparatus described herein isconfigured to monitor the location of gaming machines in comparison toother locations or areas of the casino. For example, a gaming machinemonitoring system, which may embodied in software and utilized thegaming machine location data, may compare the location of gamingmachines to a minimum or maximum location from an area of the casino. Anadvantage of such a system is that it provides an rapid or automaticmethod and apparatus to monitor machine location in comparison to toother areas of the casino without having to physically measure suchdistances. For example, if the rules of a particular jurisdictionprohibit a gaming machine from being located within a certain distancefrom a particular area, such as a family area, the monitoring system canbe configured to automatically monitor the location between a familyarea and the gaming machines. Game play may also be suspended in certainareas or locations after a certain time of day or on Sundays based oncurrent regulations. An alarm or notice system may be included to notifythe casino personnel when the casino is not in compliance.

[0053] In one embodiment the location and tracking system is configuredwith a control module. The control module may operate with or utilizedother data, such as time of day data, time of year or month data, ordata about certain events. For example, based on the location of amachine the sound level of a machine may be controlled or modified.Machines near a bar or lounge may be may be detected as being near a baror lounge and may be made to be silent during a sporting event or otherpromotion. Likewise, gaming machines located near an exclusiverestaurant may be made to be quite so as to not disturb the diners.Thus, even with the continual relocation of gaming machines around thecasino floor, the machines put near or in certain locations can beautomatically configured by the location tracking system toautomatically assume various operational characteristics.

[0054] In one embodiment the gaming machines located in a certain areamay be made to operate in a particular manner based on their location.For example machines in a slot tournament may all be configured topartake in the slot tournament operation simply based on their location.Thus, slot tournament machines may be rapidly configured. Gamingmachines located near a high roller sporting event or other activitiesarea may be made to have higher play denominations simply based on theirlocation. Similarly, pay out tables, games offered for play, and screenpromotions may be offered to suit the needs of the casino or gamingenvironment. In one embodiment, games located near a retail sales areaor restaurant may be made to intermittently promote those areas on thescreen during periods when the machine is not in play. By way ofexample, games located in a certain area of the casino, such as near anItalian restaurant, may be made to assume an Italian theme, controlledto download a particular software. Not only could a theme be assignedbased on the location of a machine, but location based advertising mayalso be implemented.

[0055] In another embodiment the location of the gaming machine maycontrol which software is downloaded to the gaming machine. For example,gaming machines located in a particular location in a casino may have aparticular software installed. The software may vary the type of game orthe promotions which are displayed on the machine. In one situation itmay be desired to load a particular type of software a r data tomachines located within a distance of a casino entrance. Using themachine location system described herein the location of the variousmachines may be determined. Once determined, conversion can be done todetermine the network address of the machines. Thereafter, the softwaremay be sent to the desired machines based on the addresses.

[0056] In one embodiment the game may be controlled to offer aparticular progressive system or to offer participation in a progressivesystem. In such an embodiment the machines within a certain location orselected based in some form on their location are selected forparticipation in the progressive, such as a linked progressive. Oncelocated, the location data may be translated to network or other addressinformation and the gaming machines linked into the progressive system.Such a system provides greater flexibility and greater efficiently whenlinking machines into a progressive system. Progressive systeminformation, such as payout amount, may be downloaded to the machines,based on the machine location or inclusion in a machine bank.

[0057] In one embodiment the location data is utilized for marketing andbusiness purposes. The location data along with machine usage data maybe used to determine preferred machine configurations and locations. Asan advantage to the invention the data may be collected automatically orin real time as a machine is moved to different locations in the casino.Moreover, the gaming location is known and provided automatically sothat reports may easily be generated. By way of example, two identicalmachines may be placed in different locations in the casino and providedto patrons for game play. After a period of time the amount of play maybe compared to determine desirable locations. Likewise, the locationtracking system in conjunction with other information may be used todetermine the most popular machines themes for particular locations inthe casino. On a broader scale, machine play may be compared betweendifferent casinos.

[0058] In a variation of this embodiment collection meter data may becombined with location data to provide another level of detail regardingthe play occurring on a gaming machine and play in a particular locationin the casino. Through the use of location data in combination withcollection meters the location of a machine may be tracked incombination with amount of play, type of game in use on the machine,theme of the machine, video on the machine, volume and audio selectionfor the machine. In yet another embodiment player tracking data may becombined with the location data and collection meter data to add yetanother level of detail to player information. By way of example and notlimitation, through the use of the gaming machine location system it canbe determined that a particular age group of player (obtained fromplayer tracking data) prefers to play a particular type of game when thegaming machine is located in a particular location within the casino.Marketing and casino layout may thereby be adjusted accordingly toimprove game play and collection.

[0059] In one embodiment the location data and a machine control modulemay be made to control gaming machine behavior based on a winning eventof a co-located machine. A co-located machine is a machine locatedwithin a user defined distance of a winning machine or within a bank ofmachines. Control of one or more other gaming machines based on awinning event at one or more other machines provides numerousadvantages. The winning machine may be regarded as the reference machinefrom which other machines may react. It is contemplated that otherevents may cause a game to become a reference machine and thereby causenearby or other machines to initiate activity.

[0060] It is often desirable to generate attention to a winning event.By generating attention for a winning event it is more likely that otherpatrons will initiate gaming or will assume the impression that thecasino has a generous payout scheme. Thus, in one embodiment the controlsystems cause machines co-located with a winning machine to generatenoise, video, or other attention grabbing action to alert other patronsof the near by win. This will likely draw patrons to play the machinesnear the winning machine. This is particularly desirable since machinesof the company offering such systems will be played more often and thusgenerate more revenue for the casino.

[0061] In one embodiment the location and tracking system may be used toimplement a more interactive and dynamic game play between differentplayers. Based on a location of a machine, the game play can be made tooccur interactively between two or more players. For example, theinvention may enable two or more players want to gamble in aninteractive game, such as a common game in which players participateagainst each other for a common payout, they may select several gamingmachines and enter data. The machines may be consecutively located toprovide personal interaction, or located remote. In one example methodof operation, the players may select which players to play against bydesignating or requesting to the gaming machine to play against theplayer to my right or left. This is a desirably simple input for theplayer. Because the location and tracking system is aware of thelocation of each game, it can cause interactive game play to occurbetween two or more machines. Machine location to address translationtables may be used to match a game location to a network address thusfacilitating interactive play. In the event the machines are notconsecutively located, a player may input data regarding a name ormachine ID or other code to designate which machine to include in theinteractive game play.

[0062] It is further contemplated that interactive play may occurbetween individuals at different properties. In one embodiment thegaming machines communicate via a communication link, such as a computernetwork, and in conjunction with host systems and the locating systemsdescribed herein, the location of the gaming machines are determined.Based on the location of each gaming machine and player input, playersmay locate or request play against other players. Players may be locatedor identified based on player tracking systems or other club ormembership basis. Interactive messages may be provided to players tofacilitate the interactive play. In one configuration, custom slottournaments may be enabled by a two or more players that utilize theinteractive play options. As a result of the machine location systemplayers need not be at the same property. In one embodiment an area ofthe casino or a bank of machines are enabled as interactive playmachines.

[0063] In yet another embodiment the location data is utilized by playertracking systems to collected data regarding player preferencesregarding play locations and to locate players in real time during play.In such an embodiment the location data may be used in conjunction witha player tracking system. Co-pending patent application Ser. No.09/544,884 filed on Apr. 7, 2000 describes such a system. An example ofa popular player tracking system is the EZ-Pay® player tracking systemavailable from International Game Technology located in Reno, Nev. Byproviding a player tracking module to the machine tracking locationsystem, the location data may be used to locate a machine at which aparticular player is playing. For example, if a valued player iscurrently playing, the player tracking data will identify which machinethe valuable player is currently playing. Using the location data, themachine can be located and hence the player at the machine can belocated and contacted. This may be useful to locate a player in case ofan emergency, provide bonus awards or complementary gifts to a player orprevent theft or fraud. In one configuration a wireless device orhandheld portable device may be used by a casino personnel to obtainlocation information while on the floor of the casino. In one embodimentthe player tracking system is able to translate the machine locationdata into direction information to guide casino personnel to the player.

[0064] In another embodiment the location data may be used by casinopersonal or other individual to aid in casino operations. By way ofexample the location data may be provided via any means including cellphone, PDA, laptop computer, kiosk, computer network, location beacon,over a wired or wireless channel. Once the location data is provided,the location data may be used to locate a malfunctioning machine, suchas for repair or other reason, used by servers to provide beverages orother services, to provide awards, complementary services, or in case ofemergency. In one embodiment the location data may be used for securitypurposes. For example, if the host detects one or more fraud attempts ata particular machine, then security personnel may be dispatched towatched the player and the machine.

[0065] It will be understood that the above described arrangements ofapparatus and the methods derived therefrom are merely illustrative ofapplications of the principles of this invention and many otherembodiments and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

I claim:
 1. A method for locating a gaming machine on a casino floorcomprising: transmitting a first signal at a first time from a firsttransmitter; transmitting a second signal at a second time from a secondtransmitter; transmitting a third signal at a third time from a thirdtransmitter; receiving the first signal at a fourth time with areceiver; receiving the second signal at a fifth time with the receiver;receiving the third signal at a sixth time with the receiver;calculating the time difference between the first time and the fourthtime, the second time and the fifth time, and the third time and thesixth time; calculating a distance between the receiver and the firsttransmitter to determine a first distance, a distance between thereceiver and the second transmitter to determine a second distance, anda distance between the receiver and the third transmitter to calculate athird distance; and calculating the location of the gaming machine basedon an intersection point of at least the first distance, the seconddistance and the third distance.
 2. A method of claim 1, wherein thereceiver is located on the gaming machine.
 3. A method of claim 1,wherein calculating a distance comprises multiplying a rate ofpropagation for a signal by the time between transmitting and receiving.4. A method for locating a gaming machine on a casino floor comprising:transmitting a first signal at a first time from a transmitter;transmitting a second signal at a second time from the transmitter;transmitting a third signal at a third time from the transmitter;receiving the first signal at a fourth time with a first receiver;receiving the second signal at a fifth time with a second receiver;receiving the third signal at a sixth time with a third receiver;calculating a time difference between the first time and the fourthtime, the second time and the fifth time, and the third time and thesixth time; calculating a distance between the first receiver and thetransmitter to determine a first distance, a distance between the secondreceiver and the transmitter to determine a second distance, and adistance between the third receiver and the transmitter to calculate athird distance; and calculating the location of the gaming machine basedon an intersection point of at least the first distance, the seconddistance, and the third distance.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein thetransmitter is located on the gaming machine.
 6. The method of claim 4,wherein the calculating a distance comprises multiplying a rate ofpropagation for a signal by the time between transmitting and receiving.7. A method for locating a gaming machine on a casino floor comprising:receiving one or more signals from a tracking device, the trackingdevice being located on a gaming machine; processing the one or moresignals from the tracking device to determine location data regardingthe gaming machine; processing the location data in relation to casinofloor location information to thereby determine the location of thegaming machine on the casino floor.
 8. The method of claim 7, furtherincluding transmitting one or more signals from the tracking devicelocated on the gaming machine.
 9. The method of claim 7, whereinprocessing the one or more signals from the tracking device comprisesprocessing signals received from at least three different receivers. 10.The method of claim 7, wherein the signal comprises an infrared typesignal.
 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the tracking device comprisesa radio frequency identification tag.
 12. The method of claim 7, furtherincluding generating a representation of the gaming machine on agraphical representation of the casino floor.
 13. An apparatus formapping a casino floor layout in a casino, the apparatus comprising: oneor more emitters located at one or more locations in the casino; one ormore detectors located at one or more locations in the casino, thedetectors configured to detect the emitters; a processor configured toreceive and process data regarding the location of one or more of theemitters or one or more of the detectors; and a communication channelconfigured to facilitate communication between the one or more emittersand the processor or the one or more detectors and the processor. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein the one or more emitters generateinfrared signals.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the one or moredetectors generate energy that causes the emitters to emit a signal. 16.A method of claim 13, further including a mapping module configured toexecute on the processor, to provide a graphical representation of thelocation of the one or more emitters.
 17. The method of claim 13,wherein the one or more emitters emit a radio frequency signal.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the one or more emitters are furtherconfigured to communicate with the processor over a computer network.19. A system for tracking a location of one or more gaming machineswithin a building comprising: one or more transmitters associated withone or more gaming machines, the transmitters configured to transmit oneor more signals; one or more receivers located within the building andconfigured to receive the one or more signals at least one host computerin communication with the one or more receivers; and a storage mediumcontaining machine readable code configured to execute on the at leastone host computer, the machine readable code configured to process datafrom the one or more receivers to determine the location of the one ormore gaming machines.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the one ormore transmitters comprise radio frequency identification tags.
 21. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the one or more receivers and at least onehost computer communicate over a computer network.
 22. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the machine readable code is further configured togenerate a graphical representation of the one or more gaming machinesin relation to the building.
 23. The method of claim 19, furtherincluding machine readable code configured to monitor the location ofthe one or more gaming machines in relation to various aspects of thebuilding.
 24. The method of claim 19, wherein each of the one or moresignals generated by the one or more transmitters includes a uniquecode.
 25. A method for locating the position of a player on a casinofloor based on the location of a gaming machine comprising: receivingnetwork address data from a player tracking system regarding which oftwo or more gaming machines the player is currently playing; accessing atranslation table to translate the network address to location data;processing the location data for relation to the casino floor togenerate processed location data; providing the processed location datato one or more casino personnel.
 26. The method of claim 25, whereinprocessing the location data comprises generating the data into agraphical representation in relation to the casino floor.
 27. The methodof claim 25, wherein the player tracking system obtains input from aplayer to determine when a player is playing.
 28. The method of claim25, wherein the translation table relates a network address to aphysical location of a gaming machine on the casino floor.